Hyderabad: As many as 27,940 nominations have been filed for the post of Sarpanch in 4,479 Gram Panchayats, which go to polls in the first phase of rural local body elections in Telangana, the State Election Commission (SEC) said Thursday.

The election notice was issued in 4,479 Gram Panchyats, while the cumulative total number of nominations filed as on January 9 was 27,940,it said. The cumulative total number of nominations was 97,690 in 39,822 Wards where election notice was issued, it added.

Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana are being held in three phases beginning January seven. The state election commission released the schedule for the elections on January 1.

Meanwhile, the Commission said in a release that the members of Telangana Election Watch met the State Election Commissioner and have "highlighted the perils of forced unanimous elections happening in the state" at the behest of certain organisations like village development committees.

They have requested the Commission to withhold the declaration of unanimous election in all such cases and take severe action against the culprits, including prosecution, it said. The Commission assured the Telangana Election Watch of all possible support by itself, Collectors and other officials, it added.

Taking a serious note of reports that posts of Sarpanch and ward members in the Gram Panchayat elections were being auctioned, the Commission on Tuesday last said such unanimous elections would be cancelled. (PTI)

Gram Panchayat Election Schedule

The first phase begins on January 7 and ends on 21. Last Date for withdrawal of Nominations is 13 January 2019

The second phase is from January 11 to 25. Nominations for Elections starts on 11 January 2019 .Last Date for withdrawal of Nominations 17 January 2019

The third phase begins on January 11 and concludes on January 30. Nominations for Elections starts on 16 January 2019. Last Date for withdrawal of Nominations 22 January 2019.

The number of Gram Panchayats is 12,732 and wards is 1,13,170.

The number of eligible voters are 1,49,52,058.

Polling would be held from 7 AM to 1 PM.

Counting of votes would be taken up after the conclusion of polling.

Selection of vice-president of the village will also be held on the same day once the results for sarpanch and ward members are declared.